third-rate

[thurd-reyt]

adjective

1. of the third rate, quality, or class.

2. distinctly inferior.

   a third-rate performance.

third-rate

adjective

1. not of high quality; mediocre or inferior

Other Word Forms

• third-rater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of third-rate¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

It was third-rate stuff, with apologies to third-rate.

From BBC

In December, he made similar claims about the three public figures, calling Sharpton a “third-rate con man.”

From Salon

Nearly all season the Blues have walked over their opposition in Uefa's third-rate tournament, but they were really tested by Real Betis in Wroclaw, especially in the first half.

From BBC

"I kind of ditched them. I started listening to what A&R or the record labels felt they had slots for. I was called a third-rate Pat Benatar. I was probably a fifth-rate Pat Benatar."

From Salon

Today, it’s pumping out third-rate articles by AI-generated writers in a darkening corner of the internet.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• miserable 
• rotten 
• second-rate 
• shabby